Orioles' Dean Kremer to Start G3 vs. Rangers; Discusses Family in Israel After Attack
Oct 10, 2023
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Dean Kremer #64 of the Baltimore Orioles reacts in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 28, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer, whose family is from Israel, spoke about the declaration of war in the country as he prepares to start Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday.
"I still want to pitch, but, I mean, it's going to be in the back of my head," Kremer told reporters on Monday.
Israel formally declared war on Hamas, an Islamist militant organization based in Palestine, after the group launched a surprise attack over the weekend.
Kremer noted many members of his extended family live in Israel and they are OK right now.
"Obviously, it's a very sad situation. A lot of things are being brought to light. But everybody's OK right now," he said. "[Orioles manager Brandon Hyde] and almost every single person in the clubhouse has come in and checked on me at some point over the last 48 hours. And I'm very grateful for that."
Kremer, who was born in California, holds dual citizenship in the United States and Israel. He told Sammy O'Brien of MiLB.com in 2017 his parents came to America from Israel and he's regularly visited his family's native country "since I was a baby."
The 27-year-old pitched for Israel in the World Baseball Classic in 2017 and 2023. He was the first Israeli citizen selected in the Major League Baseball draft when the San Diego Padres selected him in the 38th round in 2015.
Kremer opted not to sign with the Padres and go to college at UNLV. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers one year later and was traded to the Orioles in 2018. The right-hander made his MLB debut in September 2020 and has made 71 appearances over the past four seasons.
Orioles Manager: Gunnar Henderson's 9th-Inning Steal Attempt Was 'Miscommunication'
Oct 7, 2023
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 07: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles throws out Marcus Semien #2 of the Texas Rangers (not pictured) during the third inning of Game One of the American League Division Series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on October 07, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Orioles squandered numerous scoring chances en route to a 3-2 loss to the Texas Rangers to open their American League Championship Series. The last one occurred in the ninth inning after Rangers catcher Jonah Heim threw O's infielder Gunnar Henderson out trying to steal second following a leadoff single.
Aaron Hicks, who was at the dish, soon struck out. Adam Frazier ended the game with a groundout to third.
The Orioles mustered just five hits on the day but had a couple chances for big innings.
In the fourth, the Orioles cut the Rangers' deficit to 2-1 and had a chance for more with Frazier up and runners on first and second with two out, but a popout ended the frame.
In the eighth, a pair of walks via Austin Hays and Adley Rutschman brought Anthony Santander up with no outs. However, a double play and a Ryan Mountcastle strikeout ended the threat.
Saturday marked a tough start to the series for the O's, but there's more baseball to be played in this best-of-five series. Baltimore will look to bounce back in Game 2 when it hosts Texas on Sunday at 4:07 p.m. ET.
Orioles Offense Ripped by Fans for Lackluster Hitting in ALDS Game 1 Loss to Rangers
Oct 7, 2023
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 07: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles reacts after striking out during the sixth inning of Game One of the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on October 07, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
It was a matchup seven years in the making.
The Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers both ended playoff droughts that that originated following the 2016 season, so an American League Division Series matchup between the two seems like it was meant to be.
However, the Rangers got the best of Game 1, striking early and shutting the door late en route to a 3-2 victory.
The Rangers were led offensively by a pair of rookies. Outfielder Evan Carter had a clutch RBI double early to put the Rangers on the board, and third baseman Josh Jung scored the winning run on a deep fly in the sixth inning.
This kid is good. đ„
Evan Carter gets the @Rangers on the board first with an RBI double đ€
The Rangers had eight hits on the day and limited to Baltimore to just five. That doesn't mean the Orioles didn't have chances, but Texas was able to neutralize several threats in order to hold the lead.
WOW! What a double play by Josh Jung and the @Rangers đ
Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander was electric, registering two hits, including a home run that brought the Orioles within one. However, the rest of the offense struggled, with players like Adley Rutschman, Austin Hays and Cedric Mullins failing to record a hit.
The quiet performance from the Baltimore bats had fans on social media express frustration and point to inexperience as an issue for the American League Regular Season Champions.
Well, the finish to that eighth inning sucked the air out of this Camden Yards crowd. Texas leads 3-2 going to the ninth. The Orioles have just four hits today.
The Rangers victory improves the team to 3-0 on the postseason, which is a remarkable shift from the regular season as they lost out to the Houston Astros on the AL West on the final day of the season.
Texas now officially clinches the opportunity to host two home playoff games this series, but are also just two victories away from a berth in the ALCS. This would be the Rangers first time reaching the round since 2011, when the team reached the World Series.
However, Baltimore remains a formidable foe and a 101-win regular season is certainly nothing to scoff at. They will get a chance to rebound tomorrow when they host Game 2 at 4:07 P.M. ET.
Félix Bautista, Orioles Agree to 2-Year Contract; Closer to Have Tommy John Surgery
Sep 30, 2023
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 24: Felix Bautista #74 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 24, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
According to Steve Melewski of MASN Sports, Orioles general manager Mike Elias announced Saturday that Bautista will undergo Tommy John surgery in the next week or two, meaning he will miss the playoffs and likely the entire 2024 season.
Bautista and the Orioles also agreed to a guaranteed deal through 2025, which would have been his first arbitration year.
In late August, the Orioles place Bautista on the injured list with an injury to the UCL in his throwing elbow. Bautista recently began throwing again, but the decision was made to shut him down and opt for surgery.
Prior to getting injured, the 28-year-old Bautista was in the midst of his second MLB season and had established himself as arguably the best closer in baseball.
In 56 appearances, Bautista was 8-2 and converted 33 of his 39 save opportunities. He also posted a 1.48 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with 110 strikeouts in 61 innings.
Last season, Bautista made his Major League debut at the age of 26 and instantly became a key part of the Orioles' bullpen, going 4-4 with 15 saves, a 2.19 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP and 88 strikeouts in 65.2 innings.
As a result, Bautista entered this season as Baltimore's clear-cut closer, and he earned his first All-Star selection.
Since Bautista has been on the shelf, the O's have mixed and matched in save situations to some degree.
The Orioles entered play Saturday with a 100-60 record, marking their first 100-win season since 1980. They also won the AL East for the first time since 2014.
Baltimore has largely been carried by a talented lineup led by Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Anthony Santander, but the team's pitching has far exceeded expectations as well, ranking seventh in MLB with a team ERA of 3.92.
Bautista was a massive part of the Orioles' pitching success, but it will take a group effort out of the bullpen in order for the O's to make a deep postseason run.
MLB Playoff Picture 2023: Updated Standings, Wild Card After Orioles Clinch AL East
Sep 29, 2023
BALTIMORE, MD - September 27: Baltimore Orioles left fielder Austin Hays (21), center fielder Cedric Mullins (31) and right fielder Aaron Hicks (34) celebrate following the Washington Nationals versus the Baltimore Orioles on September 27, 2023 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Baby O's have officially arrived.
With their 2-0 win over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday at Camden Yards, the Baltimore Orioles clinched their first AL East division title since the 2014 season, winning a tightly contested race with the Tampa Bay Rays, who got off to a historically great start.
Led by a young, talented core that includes Adley Rutschman, Cedric Mullins and Gunnar Henderson, among others, the Orioles were quickly able to elevate themselves to the class of the American League after losing over 100 games just two years ago.
And now, they are set to be No. 1 overall seed in the AL.
Here is a look at the current MLB playoff picture after Baltimore clinched the division.
The Orioles entered the week with a 2.5-game lead over the Rays but managed to sweep a two-game series with the Washington Nationals before clinching with Thursday night's win.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Baltimore's division title is that such a young squad managed to remain so composed with a seasoned postseason team biting right on their heels.
And yet with each challenge from Tampa Bay, the Orioles responded brilliantly, completely flipping the switch from 2021 when they lost 110 games.
With Thursday's victory, Baltimore recorded its 100th win of the campaign.
As of right now, the Orioles would have a first-round bye for the postseason.
Meanwhile, the most interesting division race left is the battle for the AL West. The Texas Rangers are currently clinging on to the top spot with a two-game lead over the Houston Astros.
The Seattle Mariners trail by three games but are still right in the wild card race as they are just one game behind the Astros, who are in the final slot.
In the National League, all of the divisional races have been wrapped up but the wild card is sure to still have a couple of twists and turns.
The Miami Marlins hold a slight edge over the Chicago Cubs for the final wild-card spot and also hold the tiebreaker over the Cubs.
Should be an exciting final few days of the regular season, which will wrap up Sunday.
Orioles Agree to Extend Camden Yards Lease for At Least Next 30 Years
Sep 28, 2023
BALTIMORE, MD - September 27: A general view of the Warehouse displaying the late Brooks Robinson's number during the Washington Nationals versus the Baltimore Orioles on September 27, 2023 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
It looks like the Baltimore Orioles won't be leaving the nest anytime soon.
The organization agreed to a stadium lease extension with Maryland leaders Thursday that will allow the team to remain in Baltimore at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for at least the next 30 years.
The announcement was made at Thursday night's game between the Orioles and the Boston Red Sox. Maryland governor Wes Moore was in attendance for the matchup.
Wow, the Oâs are staying put for next 30 years. Just announced at the game with Gov. Moore here pic.twitter.com/mzcxvqvxs3
According to Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner, the agreement includes a pair of five-year extension options.
The agreement comes after lengthy negotiations between the two sides to keep the franchise in town.
It was reported back in August that the governor's office felt optimism about getting the deal done relatively soon. Gov. Moore and Orioles' team chairman John Angelos envision an opportunity to expand and revitalize the grounds surrounding the stadium which are already so popular.
Signing the lease agreement unlocks $600 in state-funded bonds that can be used for upgrades to the ballpark.
Opened in 1989, Camden Yards has quickly become a modern classic and one of the very best stadiums in all of baseball. It's become one of the greatest sports monuments in Baltimore, sitting 44,970 fans.
And now, it has a great team to go along with the iconic stadium.
Led by a talented, young core, the Orioles have quickly risen to be the class of the American League this season and are in line to lock up the top seed after losing more than 100 games just two years ago.
Brooks Robinson Dies at 86; Hall of Famer Won 2 World Series, AL MVP with Orioles
Sep 26, 2023
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Former Baltimore Orioles and Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson throws out the first pitch before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 24, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles legend Brooks Robinson has died, the franchise announced Tuesday. He was 86.
"We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Brooks Robinson. An integral part of our Orioles Family since 1955, he will continue to leave a lasting impact on our club, our community, and the sport of baseball," the Robinson family and the Orioles said in a statement.
Robinson had dealt with various health issues since retiring. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009, had abdominal surgery in 2010 and spent a month in the hospital in 2012 after his chair fell off a platform.
Robinson, who was originally signed by Baltimore as a second baseman, is widely regarded as one of the best third basemen in Major League Baseball history after the Orioles shifted him to the position to begin his career. He spent his entire 23-year career with the Orioles from 1955 to 1977.
Robinson appeared in 2,896 games during his career and slashed .267/.322/.401 with 268 home runs and 1,357 RBI. He won 16 consecutive Gold Gloves from 1960 to 1975 and played in 18 All-Star Games.
Robinson's best season came in 1964 when he slashed .317/.368/.521 with 118 RBI and 28 home runs in 163 games en route to being named the American League MVP, in addition to winning a Gold Glove and earning an All-Star selection.
The Arkansas native helped the Orioles win two World Series titles in 1966 and 1970. He was particularly impressive in the 1970 postseason, hitting .485/.471/.788 with two home runs and eight RBI in eight games.
Robinson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Orioles retired his No. 5 after he retired in 1977.
Robinson ranks 16th all-time in games played and first in games played at third base with 2,870 games. Additionally, he won the second-most Gold Gloves at a single position in MLB history. The only player with more is pitcher Greg Maddux, who won 18 Gold Gloves.
Robinson was named the Orioles' special adviser in 2018 and he also served as president of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.
Orioles Celebrated by Fans For Making MLB Playoffs for 1st Time Since 2016
Sep 17, 2023
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with Adam Frazier #12 after hitting a two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 16, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Baby O's have come of age.
With a Texas Rangers loss against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, the Baltimore Orioles and their stable of young, elite talent clinched a place in the MLB postseason for the first time since 2016.
Gone are the days of Adam Jones and Chris Davis having been replaced by the likes of Cedric Mullins, Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, all of whom have quickly turned the organization into American League contenders.
Just a few seasons ago Baltimore recorded a 110 loss season. Now, they are potentially in line to seal up the top seed in the American League before anyone would have though they were ready for it.
Adding to the joy was the Orioles' walk off win against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday at Camden Yards, just wrapping up a picture perfect day for the organization off a Cedric Mullin sacrifice fly.
LET'S GO O'S! The Baltimore Orioles clinched a 2023 playoff berth Sunday with some help after the Texas Rangers fell to the Cleveland Guardians. pic.twitter.com/jTGgc8VpQX
The Baltimore Orioles lost 115,110 and 108 games in the last 6 seasons but today they clinch a playoff spot with 92 wins. Great management. Meanwhile in PittsburghâŠ
With the win over the Rays, the Orioles managed to extend their lead atop the AL East, where they hold a slim lead over Tampa Bay. They now have a two-game advantage over the Rays after they managed to split the four-game series at home.
The challenge won't let up now, however, as Baltimore will travel to Houston for a three-game set against the Astros.
MLB Rumors: Orioles Claim Jorge López off Waivers; RP Was 2022 All-Star for BAL
Sep 2, 2023
CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 29: Jorge Lopez #48 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 29, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cincinnati 6-2. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Jorge LĂłpez is back with the Baltimore Orioles.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the organization had picked up the reliever off of waivers after he was made available by the Miami Marlins.
The Orioles claimed Jorge Lopez off of waivers from the Marlins, who save about $600,000 in the transaction. Lopez was dealt by Baltimore to Minnesota at the 2022 deadline for, among others, Yennier Cano. #Reunion
LĂłpez was with the Orioles from 2020 to midway through 2022, the latter season seeing him earn an All-Star nod. He was traded at the 2022 deadline to the Minnesota Twins and was traded from the Twins to the Marlins at this years deadline.
The Orioles received Yennier CanĂł, among others, in the deal for LĂłpez in 2022. CanĂł has gone on to be a key component of the Orioles bullpen and earned an All-Star nod this season.
If he can return to his form with the team in 2022, when he had a 1.68 ERA across 48.1 innings, then he could be a solid contributor to a pitching staff that currently ranks in the top half of the league.
Baltimore was showing strides in 2022 but still were outside of the playoffs by season's end. This season has been a true turning of the page as the team currently is 83-51 and possess the best record in the American League.
MLB Playoff Picture 2023: Breaking Down Standings and Current Postseason Bracket
Aug 27, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 25: Eddie Rosario #8, Michael Harris II #23 and Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves celebrate after a win against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on August 25, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
As we inch closer to the stretch run of the 2023 MLB season, the race for the playoffs is starting to heat up.
The Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles continue to reign atop their respective leagues. The rest of the teams behind them continue to shuffle as they vie for postseason position.
Here's what the playoff bracket would look like if the season ended today.
No. 4 seed Philadelphia Phillies (72-58) vs. No. 5 seed: Chicago Cubs (69-61)
Full MLB Standings
AL East
Baltimore Orioles: 81-49
Tampa Bay Rays: 80-52, 2.0 GB
Toronto Blue Jays: 71-60, 10.5 GB
Boston Red Sox: 69-62, 12.5 GB
New York Yankees: 62-68, 19.0 GB
AL Central
Minnesota Twins: 68-63
Cleveland Guardians: 62-69, 6.0 GB
Detroit Tigers: 59-71, 8.5 GB
Chicago White Sox: 52-79, 16.0 GB
Kansas City Royals: 41-91, 27.5 GB
AL West
Seattle Mariners: 74-56
Texas Rangers: 73-57, 1.0 GB
Houston Astros: 74-58, 1.0 GB
Los Angeles Angels: 63-68, 11.0 GB
Oakland Athletics: 38-93, 36.0 GB - eliminated
AL Wild Card
Tampa Bay Rays: 80-52
Texas Rangers: 73-57
Houston Astros: 74-58
Toronto Blue Jays: 71-60, 2.5 GB
Boston Red Sox: 69-62, 4.5 GB
NL East
Atlanta Braves: 84-45
Philadelphia Phillies: 72-58, 12.5 GB
Miami Marlins: 66-65, 19 GB
Washington Nationals: 61-70, 24 GB
New York Mets: 60-71, 25 GB
NL Central
Milwaukee Brewers: 73-57
Chicago Cubs: 69-61, 4.0 GB
Cincinnati Reds: 68-64, 6.0 GB
Pittsburgh Pirates: 58-73, 15.5 GB
St. Louis Cardinals, 56-75, 17.5 GB
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers: 80-49
Arizona Diamondbacks: 69-62, 12.0 GB
San Francisco Giants: 67-63, 13.5 GB
San Diego Padres: 61-70 20.0 GB
Colorado Rockies: 49-81, 31.5 GB
NL Wild Card
Philadelphia Phillies: 72-58
Chicago Cubs: 69-61
Arizona Diamondbacks: 69-62
San Francisco Giants: 67-63, 1.5 GB
Cincinnati Reds: 68-64, 1.5 GB
Miami Marlins: 66-65, 3.0 GB
While the Orioles had their four-game win streak come to an end with a one-run loss to the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, they still remain the class of the American League. However, their position isn't completely safe.
Winners of six of their last seven, the Tampa Bay Rays sit just two games behind Baltimore for the lead in the AL East. The Orioles will look to get back on track this week starting with their home series against the Chicago White Sox before they embark on a nine-game road swing. They will need to be sharp if they hope to stave off the hard-charging Rays.
Another exciting race for supremacy lies in the AL West, which could see three teams earn spots in the postseason. The Seattle Mariners used a run of 11 wins in their last 12 games to usurp the Texas Rangers atop the division. The Houston Astros remain in the hunt for their third straight division title as well.
Over in the National League, the Braves have a firm grip on the top spot. The Los Angeles Dodgers have done a good job trying to keep up, but they remain squarely in Atlanta's rearview.
The race to watch is the one for the final NL wild-card spot. The Arizona Diamondbacks, who are looking to end a five-year playoff drought, surged into the final spot after an impressive week of eight wins in their last 10 games. The Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants and Miami Marlins all remain alive in the playoff race, so it will be exciting to see how things shake out as the postseason approaches.
